It’s been a strange season, a season that promised so much but delivered so little. I’ve probably learnt more in this one season than I have in the last six, and fully intend to put my new found knowledge to good use.

The biggest noticeable change will be the new First Team Manager. Craig is someone I know quite well, when Chelmsford ground shared at New Lodge they played home midweek fixtures on a Monday, and it was at these games I would speak with Craig and observe his football. Craig is a big character, a people person; he takes time to speak with people and is passionate about football. He’s a hard worker, usually the first to arrive and one of the last to leave and he fully understands what is required to manage our Club.

Craig on the touchline is Craig at work, doing his job, giving 100% to ensure we have the best possible chance to gain all three points, and it is always the three points he wants, a single point is never an option, attacking exciting football is the order of the day. He demands the same 100% endeavour towards a victory from each and every one of his players. But when the game is over, although he is just as passionate, just as driven, just as demanding, he relaxes and has time for everyone.  I have no doubt that Craig Edwards was the right choice of Manager for our Club.

Craig asked me what I wanted from next season; my reply was “to enjoy it” and he has promised to deliver. Personally I’m not going to focus on points or league position, I’m going to watch & enjoy entertaining exciting football and let’s see where it takes us.

John Mifsud & Paul Moody have, as always, done a great job for us, but never more so than of late. Not only did they step in and steer the first team to safety, they continued to take the reserves and U18s, neither of those teams have completed their season yet and the 18s still have a cup final as well, so their schedule has been hectic to put it mildly.  I hope these guys now get a bit more recognition for the job they do. They give their time freely and work tirelessly for the love of our club,  year after year producing good talent and giving support to the first team. John also advises and liaises with the Colts and he has been key in keeping both parties focused on what’s right for Billericay Town FC. So when John and Paul committed to Billericay for another season, I was delighted.  Thanks guys .

It’ll be interesting to see how clubs deal with finances next season, most clubs, ours included have lost out on gate receipts and bar revenue this season, and the few clubs I have spoken too over the past week or so have all said that many of their existing sponsors and advertisers have indicated they will no be renewing.  As you know I have always run this club on  a budget we can afford. We don’t offer the highest wages, I think it’s much more important that the club is kept stable and that employees (players) know the money will be there, in full, when its due. Promising big bucks that are unsustainable is not our way.  Next season's budget (as you might expect)  has been trimmed to fall in line with this seasons income.  But having said that, if we have a decent cup run (a home draw would be a welcomed change) and/or our gates have a significant increase then we will make more funds available. To be honest I would expect most if not all clubs to cut back next season. So many clubs have had cash flow problems this year that I doubt clubs will be willing to gamble on expected income and will opt to budget more sensibly.

Talking of income, We have lots of plans and Ideas going on that the moment, One major event that will certainly be taking place is the Billericay  Beer Festival which is a joint venture with the Billericay Lions. This is scheduled for the weekend of July 2nd 3rd & 4th of July

Another Idea that just needs a few final touches is a competition to win free season tickets. More about this next week.

There is a Capital League tonight fixture vs Braintree Town (K.O. 19:45), so  If you can get along and show your support to John Mifsud and the lads, I’m sure they will appreciate it.

I’m looking forward to next season already, and in the words of Keith P, plenty of “Oooo’s & Arrrr’s”

C’mon you Blues.

Steve.